Today I realized that one of the better parts about being in Hong Kong is that I get to be a complete nerd. There are only a few people that can actually distract me from studying, but those few are far less effective than my boyfriend and roommates at home. It's useless trying to get anything done around that bunch. But here, I can find a chair in the library and disappear. Granted, it's much harder to find a chair because they're all occupied by locals at most hours of the day. You think I'm kidding, but I've never seen a library so busy during a non-exam period. On another note, don't let the Asians fool you. Some of them are studying, yes. Others are canoodling, talking, SLEEPING, playing on their computer-- doing anything but work. You gotta watch 'em. Little tricksters.
It's Friday evening and I've nearly finished my entire book for Women's Movement. All 256 pages. I've started analyzing my case for Tuesday. I've done all of the assigned reading for my US-China Relations test on Monday. This feeling if preparedness is not one I've had in a while. I thought I was a procrastinator at heart. Apparently, in the right place and state of mind, I get shit done.
I'm not even doing it to compete with the locals. That, my friends, is impossible and not why I'm here. They WANT us to fail. It shifts the curve in their favor. They say, "You should be traveling. Go! Have fun! See you next week." I don't really care about all of that.
It's just nice to be a place that reminds me that I'm "good" at the college thing. At UT, I'm surrounded by a bunch of overzealous business students who exist only to remind others that they're smarter-- in one field or another. They make me feel lazy. "They" (usually finance or Business Honors kids) like to display their busy schedules and flaunt their interview courtships in a tireless effort to stand out. When in fact, maybe they should just come to China. All they have to do is exist, not thinking or doing, and they'll stand out. Students will look at them and assume they're going places simply because they speak perfect English and are from the US.
College is wonderful. It makes you realize it's ok to just 'be.' You can sit in silence or among a sea of people and feel good about just being you. I don't study to prove other people right or wrong. I study because I enjoy it; it makes me feel smart without having to tell anyone.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thailand
All I have to say is Thailand is amazing! Well, I guess I have to say more because if I didn't, you'd be really disappointed. Get ready for a long post...
We left Hong Kong on Thursday night on Kenya Airways and arrived in Bangkok around midnight. The flight was great with the exception of the man sitting in front of me. He misinterpreted the flight attendant's announcement for "take-off" because he instantly took off his shoes. He kept his socks on, but that didn't prevent the smell from filling the closest 10 rows with a horrendous odor. It was the kind of smell that prevented you from thinking about anything other than how bad it smelled. Anyway, it was a 2-1/2 hour flight and we had free drinks and dinner. Jen and I didn't eat because we didn't expect to have a meal on a flight that short. After knowing this, we did eat on the way home. Way to go Kenya-- you're putting US airlines to shame.
Jen and I, along with the 4 other guys from USC (Phil, Eric, Matt and Kaz), met up with two others (Paul and Valentino, both Austrian) after we landed in Bangkok. After a quick drink on Khao San Road, we met our van and headed to Chiang Mai. Getting a passenger van for 8 people was such a deal! The driver, who we named He Hop (after misinterpreting Phil's Thai), stayed with us for the entire weekend for about $60US per person, including gas. Oh, He Hop... so funny.
After a 9-hour drive, we woke up in Chiang Mai and had lunch at a street-side "restaurant." The food wasn't wonderful, but it wasn't really authentic Thai to begin with. That meal, in fact, was the only time we saw He Hop eat or drink anything. We decided he was a robot. We found a hostel and a tour guide company shortly after that and began our adventure!
We signed up for two tour packages on Friday and Saturday. Friday afternoon we went on a 4-hour ATV tour of the countryside and drove through a small village at the top of a hill. Jen and I shared a 4-wheeler, while the rest of the guys had their own (crazy drivers). The only bad part was we finished the tour covered in dust and dirt because it was so dry. Check out the pictures wearing our lovely helmets and masks.
Jen and Matt on the way back to the hotel. Before this trip, I had no idea how funny Matt could be. He was the reason He Hop was such a big hit.
That night we had the most amazing local Thai food for $7US per person, including drinks, dinner and dessert. Because Phil speaks Thai, he was able to order a table full of family style food. After that, the waitress generously brought a big bowl of ice cream, fruit, cakes and chocolate syrup so we could celebrate Eric's 22nd birthday a few hours early. At dinner we found out some devastating news...
It was election weekend.
Doesn't sound that bad, right? Maybe you're confused because Thailand has a royal family. That's not where I'm going with this. During election weekend, no alcohol can be served from Friday at 6 p.m. Sunday at midnight. This included all alcohol-- bars, restaurants and 7-11's. Luckily, since we were in pretty "touristy" areas (both in Chaing Mai and Bangkok), it wasn't terribly difficult to get ahold of. Phil would sweet talk a bartender (note: when they realize you're Thai, they're instantly in love) or a waitress and we'd usually get what we needed.
We finished that evening at the Night Bazaar, an area with hundreds of street vendors that stay open until midnight. Jen and I bought knockoff LeSportSac book bags which came in really handy for the extra stuff we bought/carried around on our trip. Needless to say, after a long day of traveling, 4-wheeling, eating and shopping, we went to bed pretty exhausted.
The next day we started our second tour-- white water rafting down the Maetang, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Unfortunately the water was too low for it really to be considered "white water" but there were rapids. We went downriver in 4-person canoe-like rafts. During many parts, it felt like I was tubing down the Frio River after a drought. No matter what you do, you can't help but feel like an overweight American when a rock would get lodged right under your behind. Our guide would have to get out to dislodge us from rocks and bad rapids. Oh well, it was entertaining. My guide found it humorous to splash us and play tricks, giggling along the way. It's like he was a performer-- singing, laughing, making jokes, and swamping our raft. After a while, I played along and it was much more fun.
After lunch in a small village, we went elephant riding. It was so incredible to see them roaming around under the trees. Jen and I rode together and were the first ones to get on. Our "driver" sat on the elephant's head and steered using a small pointed hook somewhat similar to a cattle prod. The funniest parts about riding the elephant were the messiest! We mistakenly bought our elephant a bag of bananas and bamboo to feed along the way. However, since he was well-trained, he wasn't about to take another step until he got ALL of the bananas. He'd fling his trunk backward reaching around until you put it into the end of his trunk. At the same time, we had a small elephant traveling along with us (no passengers, of course), but he wanted food too! His trunk would fly up on my side and a lovely snot/dirt mixture would fly up too. My right pant leg was pretty disgusting by the end of it. After the hike, the elephant-keepers (I guess that's what they're called), took us to the watering hole so the elephants could cool off. If you've ever watched Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel, you know that elephants cool themselves off by drinking water and spraying it all over their bodies. I'm sure you can guess what happened. We all got pretty wet (some worse than others) with dirty elephant snot snout water. Of course, we got a good laugh. But why in the hell didn't they have us get off? Part of the experience?!
The biggest leaves I'd ever seen!
It was a gorgeous day!
We left Hong Kong on Thursday night on Kenya Airways and arrived in Bangkok around midnight. The flight was great with the exception of the man sitting in front of me. He misinterpreted the flight attendant's announcement for "take-off" because he instantly took off his shoes. He kept his socks on, but that didn't prevent the smell from filling the closest 10 rows with a horrendous odor. It was the kind of smell that prevented you from thinking about anything other than how bad it smelled. Anyway, it was a 2-1/2 hour flight and we had free drinks and dinner. Jen and I didn't eat because we didn't expect to have a meal on a flight that short. After knowing this, we did eat on the way home. Way to go Kenya-- you're putting US airlines to shame.
Jen and I, along with the 4 other guys from USC (Phil, Eric, Matt and Kaz), met up with two others (Paul and Valentino, both Austrian) after we landed in Bangkok. After a quick drink on Khao San Road, we met our van and headed to Chiang Mai. Getting a passenger van for 8 people was such a deal! The driver, who we named He Hop (after misinterpreting Phil's Thai), stayed with us for the entire weekend for about $60US per person, including gas. Oh, He Hop... so funny.
After a 9-hour drive, we woke up in Chiang Mai and had lunch at a street-side "restaurant." The food wasn't wonderful, but it wasn't really authentic Thai to begin with. That meal, in fact, was the only time we saw He Hop eat or drink anything. We decided he was a robot. We found a hostel and a tour guide company shortly after that and began our adventure!
We signed up for two tour packages on Friday and Saturday. Friday afternoon we went on a 4-hour ATV tour of the countryside and drove through a small village at the top of a hill. Jen and I shared a 4-wheeler, while the rest of the guys had their own (crazy drivers). The only bad part was we finished the tour covered in dust and dirt because it was so dry. Check out the pictures wearing our lovely helmets and masks.
Jen and Matt on the way back to the hotel. Before this trip, I had no idea how funny Matt could be. He was the reason He Hop was such a big hit.
That night we had the most amazing local Thai food for $7US per person, including drinks, dinner and dessert. Because Phil speaks Thai, he was able to order a table full of family style food. After that, the waitress generously brought a big bowl of ice cream, fruit, cakes and chocolate syrup so we could celebrate Eric's 22nd birthday a few hours early. At dinner we found out some devastating news...
It was election weekend.
Doesn't sound that bad, right? Maybe you're confused because Thailand has a royal family. That's not where I'm going with this. During election weekend, no alcohol can be served from Friday at 6 p.m. Sunday at midnight. This included all alcohol-- bars, restaurants and 7-11's. Luckily, since we were in pretty "touristy" areas (both in Chaing Mai and Bangkok), it wasn't terribly difficult to get ahold of. Phil would sweet talk a bartender (note: when they realize you're Thai, they're instantly in love) or a waitress and we'd usually get what we needed.
We finished that evening at the Night Bazaar, an area with hundreds of street vendors that stay open until midnight. Jen and I bought knockoff LeSportSac book bags which came in really handy for the extra stuff we bought/carried around on our trip. Needless to say, after a long day of traveling, 4-wheeling, eating and shopping, we went to bed pretty exhausted.
The next day we started our second tour-- white water rafting down the Maetang, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Unfortunately the water was too low for it really to be considered "white water" but there were rapids. We went downriver in 4-person canoe-like rafts. During many parts, it felt like I was tubing down the Frio River after a drought. No matter what you do, you can't help but feel like an overweight American when a rock would get lodged right under your behind. Our guide would have to get out to dislodge us from rocks and bad rapids. Oh well, it was entertaining. My guide found it humorous to splash us and play tricks, giggling along the way. It's like he was a performer-- singing, laughing, making jokes, and swamping our raft. After a while, I played along and it was much more fun.
After lunch in a small village, we went elephant riding. It was so incredible to see them roaming around under the trees. Jen and I rode together and were the first ones to get on. Our "driver" sat on the elephant's head and steered using a small pointed hook somewhat similar to a cattle prod. The funniest parts about riding the elephant were the messiest! We mistakenly bought our elephant a bag of bananas and bamboo to feed along the way. However, since he was well-trained, he wasn't about to take another step until he got ALL of the bananas. He'd fling his trunk backward reaching around until you put it into the end of his trunk. At the same time, we had a small elephant traveling along with us (no passengers, of course), but he wanted food too! His trunk would fly up on my side and a lovely snot/dirt mixture would fly up too. My right pant leg was pretty disgusting by the end of it. After the hike, the elephant-keepers (I guess that's what they're called), took us to the watering hole so the elephants could cool off. If you've ever watched Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel, you know that elephants cool themselves off by drinking water and spraying it all over their bodies. I'm sure you can guess what happened. We all got pretty wet (some worse than others) with dirty elephant snot snout water. Of course, we got a good laugh. But why in the hell didn't they have us get off? Part of the experience?!
The biggest leaves I'd ever seen!
It was a gorgeous day!
The infamous watering hole. Look how wet Phil and Matt's elephant is. So funny.
The last leg of the tour was the bamboo rafting. It lasted about an hour, but because it was the end of the day, it started to cool off... making the water seem much colder! The best part was just that it was peaceful way to end the day-- floating under trees, vines and makeshift bridges.
We spent our last night in Chaing Mai eating some more amazing Thai food at a place called The Wok. Gotta love Lonely Planet for recommending some great hostels and restaurants! The patio was lit with strands of lights and candles... it was pretty fantastic. After dinner we got in the van for our 9-hour drive back to Bangkok with He Hop. If you're wondering, Phil was actually saying something that sounded like "pee kahp" to get his attention. He Hop just stuck.
We arrived in Bangkok at 7am Sunday morning-- just in time to watch the floating market vendors set up. Sadly, because we wanted to see as much as we could in a day, we didn't go to the "good" floating market outside Bangkok. We just saw the rinky-dink one in town (pictures below). We had a Thai breakfast (not really my favorite) and started our day.
Mmmm... doesn't that Thai breakfast look "good"? Even the guy that serves it doesn't eat it.
The first stop was the Grand Palace, a huge walled area of temples, old buildings and old administrative quarters. Because the King's sister recently died, the people of Thailand were in mourning. They flocked to the Grand Palace in all black to pay their respects. They LOVE the King in Thailand. (If I didn't feel like a tourist before, I did then. All of the signs and lines separated foreigners from the Thai people... we had to pay, Phil didn't. We had to stand in line, Phil didn't. If you're Thai, go there. It's a sweet deal! The buildings there were unlike anything I'd ever seen-- so intricately decorated, embellished and maintained. The worst part was that I don't know much about Thailand's history. I spent most of the time fighting my way through crowds reading my informational brochure. And it was HOT! It's February and it felt like the middle of July. We had to wear the appropriate clothing (pants, shirt, close-toed shoes) making it feel even hotter. Oh, and in the pictures you'll notice that Jen is wearing a horrible orange button-up shirt and Matt is wearing huge pants. All of Jen's clothing was "appropriate," but it was so hot she wanted to wear a tanktop. She tied a silk shawl around her arms and shoulders, but the security guards wouldn't allow it. They mader her change and she wasn't very happy. Other than that, I'm not sure the guys appreciated the temples, but I was so glad we went.
After the temples, we went to the Chatuchak Weekend Market-- the largest market in the world. 15,000 stalls cover over 35 acres! As the name suggests, it's only open on the weekends, but supposedly about 250,000 people visit each day. It. Was. Insane. I felt welcome when we arrived because someone was blasting country music from the 90s at the entrance. I sang along and everyone stared. You would think with that many vendors that I would have bought a bunch of stuff, but nothing seemed very appealing... at least nothing I could afford. They had everything ranging from cell phone accessories to antique furniture and art. We wandered around there until we couldn't stand it anymore. The picture below is from the walkway leading to the market. Just a few taxis.
We finished our Sunday by having dinner at Subway (to avoid Thai food overload) and drinks back on Khao San Road. Besides having to say goodbye to He Hop, it was quite the perfect adventure! Oh, and if all the sightseeing wasn't enough, look what I found in Bangkok-- a DOUBLE Big Mac. Wanna go to Thailand now?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Worth Posting
Recap of Wednesday, February 20:
The sun was out all day.
I saw the moon and its reflection in the water.
The high today was 68.
Sweet Jesus, this is a first.
This is kind of a big deal-- for my SAD (kidding) and vitamin D levels. Get excited!
The sun was out all day.
I saw the moon and its reflection in the water.
The high today was 68.
Sweet Jesus, this is a first.
This is kind of a big deal-- for my SAD (kidding) and vitamin D levels. Get excited!
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Wandering Weekend
We stayed out late on Thursday. That means I slept in on Friday. Not only am I living in a totally different place, I'm living a different life with a much later schedule. I stay out really late and wake up later (which I rarely do at home). The typical conversation with my mom goes like this:
"Hi, Mom!"
"Hi, Unknown number. Just kidding, I knew it was you."
"What are you doing?"
"Wait, what are you doing? And Jeez! What time is it there? 3, 4am?!"
"Yeah, I'm about to go to bed. (Groggy voice.)"
Anyway, after lounging around the dorm room that morning and afternoon, I went to the Indoor Sports complex and signed up for archery classes! (I'm super excited about this!) I walked in and filled out the piece of paper with the word "ARCY201" at the top and handed it to the young woman at the front desk. She looked at me and said, "Hello, this eez arch'ry improva-- not beginna." I replied, "Yes, I know, but I have shot many times before." She reluctantly typed it into the computer and then finished by saying, "On first day, instructa will require test. You must pass to stay in course." I think the skills test requires you to shoot a 180 (with 36 arrows) at a little over 15 yards. Granted the target is smaller, but I've shot that score on the 40 yard line. I'm hoping I'll be ok. My language skills with a Chinese instructor might be another story.
That afternoon I wandered around the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) station on the Kowloon side. TST is full of shopping, museums, hotels and wonderful views of Hong Kong Island. My goal was to get oriented with that area and find a new pair of shoes. After I did both (and wandered through some very nice hotel lobbies), I had an American dinner at Ocean Terminal and watched the Sympthony of Lights show at 8pm. I didn't take pictures, but I'm sure I'll be back there when mom and George are in town. Look for them then.
After the show, I met Jen at Causeway Bay to see "Sweeney Todd." She's taking a musical performance class and her professor said he would be discussing the movie in class. She saw it for that reason and I was more inclined to see it thanks to it's three Oscar nominations. Summary: decent action, interesting storyline, lots of music and blood. We went to bed late Friday night, but had definite plans to explore on Saturday.
We left campus the next day around lunchtime. We caught the MTR to Central to explore-- mostly controversial architecture (bank buildings), random parks/gardens, SOHO and the Mid-levels. Anything controversial usually means it isn't feng shui. A lot of the time additions are made to make the building more feng shui. Every savings bank in Hong Kong has a pair of lion or monster statues out front to keep the money safe. Supposedly without these lions, investors are hesistant to do business there. Again, we took funny pictures, but I'll post those later.
When our feet were tired, we went to the Mid-Levels (a super long series of escalators) to get to Soho. We found a Mexican restaurant called Caramba! and when we looked at the menu, we were hooked. The first thing we read said, "The original margarita: What you stopped in for!" We each had two margaritas and an entree, paid our relatively expensive bill ($30US ea.) and left-- so full and satisfied! It was good, but of course, nothing like Austin Tex-Mex. After dinner we met some of the USC guys at a comedy club... and that'll be the next post.
If I don't stop writing, I'll be late to class. I spend entirely too much time blogging. I think I'm addicted.
"Hi, Mom!"
"Hi, Unknown number. Just kidding, I knew it was you."
"What are you doing?"
"Wait, what are you doing? And Jeez! What time is it there? 3, 4am?!"
"Yeah, I'm about to go to bed. (Groggy voice.)"
Anyway, after lounging around the dorm room that morning and afternoon, I went to the Indoor Sports complex and signed up for archery classes! (I'm super excited about this!) I walked in and filled out the piece of paper with the word "ARCY201" at the top and handed it to the young woman at the front desk. She looked at me and said, "Hello, this eez arch'ry improva-- not beginna." I replied, "Yes, I know, but I have shot many times before." She reluctantly typed it into the computer and then finished by saying, "On first day, instructa will require test. You must pass to stay in course." I think the skills test requires you to shoot a 180 (with 36 arrows) at a little over 15 yards. Granted the target is smaller, but I've shot that score on the 40 yard line. I'm hoping I'll be ok. My language skills with a Chinese instructor might be another story.
That afternoon I wandered around the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) station on the Kowloon side. TST is full of shopping, museums, hotels and wonderful views of Hong Kong Island. My goal was to get oriented with that area and find a new pair of shoes. After I did both (and wandered through some very nice hotel lobbies), I had an American dinner at Ocean Terminal and watched the Sympthony of Lights show at 8pm. I didn't take pictures, but I'm sure I'll be back there when mom and George are in town. Look for them then.
After the show, I met Jen at Causeway Bay to see "Sweeney Todd." She's taking a musical performance class and her professor said he would be discussing the movie in class. She saw it for that reason and I was more inclined to see it thanks to it's three Oscar nominations. Summary: decent action, interesting storyline, lots of music and blood. We went to bed late Friday night, but had definite plans to explore on Saturday.
We left campus the next day around lunchtime. We caught the MTR to Central to explore-- mostly controversial architecture (bank buildings), random parks/gardens, SOHO and the Mid-levels. Anything controversial usually means it isn't feng shui. A lot of the time additions are made to make the building more feng shui. Every savings bank in Hong Kong has a pair of lion or monster statues out front to keep the money safe. Supposedly without these lions, investors are hesistant to do business there. Again, we took funny pictures, but I'll post those later.
When our feet were tired, we went to the Mid-Levels (a super long series of escalators) to get to Soho. We found a Mexican restaurant called Caramba! and when we looked at the menu, we were hooked. The first thing we read said, "The original margarita: What you stopped in for!" We each had two margaritas and an entree, paid our relatively expensive bill ($30US ea.) and left-- so full and satisfied! It was good, but of course, nothing like Austin Tex-Mex. After dinner we met some of the USC guys at a comedy club... and that'll be the next post.
If I don't stop writing, I'll be late to class. I spend entirely too much time blogging. I think I'm addicted.
Happy Valentine's Day
Last week was interesting. The HKUST chapter of AIESEC hosted a happy hour at the Uni-bar on campus last Wednesday. They originally advertised it at orientation as a free welcoming event with two free cocktails for everyone in attendance. Unfortunately, when we showed up, they downgraded to one. I guess after the first two weeks they remembered that international students drink more than locals. (Imagined converstion-- "Ohhh... No two drinks. No good idea.") I was feeling a bit anti-social that night, so I sat around and talked to people I knew rather than saying hello to more unfamiliar faces. Jen and I decided to split dinner (best idea of the evening). In the middle of ordering dinner I was challenged to another game of darts. The previous week I played two rounds with three other people and won BOTH of them. Beginners luck, maybe. But now I have a reputation to defend. Anyway, I played a round with two of the same guys and a new addition-- the one engineering student from Texas A&M, Jared. He's big, tall and very College Station. He won by a landslide. I came in 2nd. I left Uni-bar not too long after that. Let the rivalry continue! PS: I think UT men's basketball is playing A&M tonight.
The next day was Valetine's Day-- not a very celebrated holiday in Hong Kong. A few of the guys in our hall did make a point to say "Happy Valentine's" when they saw me in the hall. As Jen and I like to say, "We're well taken care of." If I haven't mentioned before, there are very few exchange students in Hall III. Therefore, the local students, particularly the Hall III society officers, all know our names, faces, room numbers, etc. They're refreshingly nice to us. During floor meetings, someone will usually take the time to translate too-- a big help.
Anyway, some guy at UST got connected with a club called Avenue in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF for short. Like a dirtier version of 6th street). Despite the fact that there was a big group in the Philippines for the weekend, most everyone that went out on Valetines went to Avenue because of all the promoting this guy did. When Jen and I got there it was DEAD. The reserved lounge areas were empty, a few people were at the bar and a few more awkward partygoers were on the dance floor trying to get it started. It eventually picked up and we stayed there until 2:30 or so. The club was ok, but it was FULL of smoke. It took me a second to realize that the smoke filling the air was a mix of different cigarettes. At one point I was dancing and the "Valentine's Couple" next to me was passing a joint back and forth and blowing the smoke seductively in each others faces. A turn on? I'm going to say no.
The DJ played a decent mix of new hip-hop music which made for entertaining dancing (especially for those who were high). The only bad part was that he played quite a few songs more than once. Funny story-- after that, I went up to the DJ and requested any "older" rap like Notorious B.I.G. He first pretended not to hear me over the loud music. Then he just shook his head. I said, "What? You don't have any?" He responded, "None of that." Whatev. A good reason to have your own dance parties, right Kristin?!
I woke up the next morning and took a shower to wash the smoke smell out of my hair.
Happy Valentine's Day to me! At least I got to avoid chocolates and candy hearts. Then again, I was in an "interesting" club without Steven. Blah. He had to work on Valentine's, so I don't think he celebrated much either.
The next day was Valetine's Day-- not a very celebrated holiday in Hong Kong. A few of the guys in our hall did make a point to say "Happy Valentine's" when they saw me in the hall. As Jen and I like to say, "We're well taken care of." If I haven't mentioned before, there are very few exchange students in Hall III. Therefore, the local students, particularly the Hall III society officers, all know our names, faces, room numbers, etc. They're refreshingly nice to us. During floor meetings, someone will usually take the time to translate too-- a big help.
Anyway, some guy at UST got connected with a club called Avenue in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF for short. Like a dirtier version of 6th street). Despite the fact that there was a big group in the Philippines for the weekend, most everyone that went out on Valetines went to Avenue because of all the promoting this guy did. When Jen and I got there it was DEAD. The reserved lounge areas were empty, a few people were at the bar and a few more awkward partygoers were on the dance floor trying to get it started. It eventually picked up and we stayed there until 2:30 or so. The club was ok, but it was FULL of smoke. It took me a second to realize that the smoke filling the air was a mix of different cigarettes. At one point I was dancing and the "Valentine's Couple" next to me was passing a joint back and forth and blowing the smoke seductively in each others faces. A turn on? I'm going to say no.
The DJ played a decent mix of new hip-hop music which made for entertaining dancing (especially for those who were high). The only bad part was that he played quite a few songs more than once. Funny story-- after that, I went up to the DJ and requested any "older" rap like Notorious B.I.G. He first pretended not to hear me over the loud music. Then he just shook his head. I said, "What? You don't have any?" He responded, "None of that." Whatev. A good reason to have your own dance parties, right Kristin?!
I woke up the next morning and took a shower to wash the smoke smell out of my hair.
Happy Valentine's Day to me! At least I got to avoid chocolates and candy hearts. Then again, I was in an "interesting" club without Steven. Blah. He had to work on Valentine's, so I don't think he celebrated much either.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Little Things
If you know anything about me, you're aware that I'm very particular about my school supplies. I don't look forward to shopping for clothes at the beginning of the school year. I look forward to buying school supplies! I've become very picky about which things I buy, as well. My agenda has to have a compact, durable cover, well-lined day-by-day pages, and good 2-page monthly planning pages. I've only been able to find two brands the fit all of these descriptions, so needless to say I brought my agenda from Austin to Hong Kong. I brought other things too-- my favorite binder, these great plastic 3-ring dividers/folders, and my favorite black V5 Pilot pens.
On the first day of school I went to the school supply store on LG5. Note: Our campus is built so that there is a ground floor with seven floors below (marked LG#) and at least 6 floors above. Since I already had a binder, I just needed to get paper and maybe a stapler. It wasn't until I tried putting the paper in my binder that I realized Hong Kong doesn't DO 3-holes. They're still working with two! Their paper and binders have two holes spaced about 3" apart in the center. Such a small difference, but soooo upsetting! (I'm being dramatic here). Along with my paper (which everyone calls A4 paper here), I had to buy new binders and a new hole punch to retrofit my wonderful colored dividers from home. What's even more upsetting is that they don't have hard-covered binders here. Everything's cheap, flimsy and disposable.
I'm back to normal with my supplies. My new hole punch has changed my life. Not really, but I'm doing ok with two holes in HK. There are other things I'm getting used to...
1. Living in the Castilian, the noise problem was caused by the international students. Damn Italians. Here, it's the locals. They stay up until 3-4am and shout! When something is either funny or they're all in agreement, you can hear a collective, "Ohhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh! Oh! (Sometimes clapping)" It's the most bizarre noise. To give you an idea of how loud it is, Jen and I live on the 3rd floor at the end of the hall. With our door closed, we could hear the shouting coming from the ground floor up the stairwell. If you watched the video of the Student Societies, it's the same kind of muffled roar that seeps into every space.
2. The time difference still throws me off. I'm actually looking forward to the clocks changing in the spring because then I'll only be 13 hours ahead!
3. I miss salads. Fresh, green, hearty salads. I had a Caesar salad on Monday and it wasn't very good. The lettuce had potential, but it was soaked in dressing. Aunt Brenda, I'm glad I had a Cafe Express salad before I left. Justin, I'm glad you got to watch me eat it.
4. Asian boy hair. So weird. None of them seem to want to have short, groomed hair, so they grow it out (sometimes near-mullet style) and have a blind barber cut it into spikes. For those who want to take it a step further, they color it to an auburn shade of red. I'm not sure there's another alternative to dark brown/black. It makes for good people watching. Did I tell you that UST is over 60% male?
Ok, so maybe this post was a little whiny. Who cares. I'm in Hong Kong and I'm around a bunch of boys that look like this.
On the first day of school I went to the school supply store on LG5. Note: Our campus is built so that there is a ground floor with seven floors below (marked LG#) and at least 6 floors above. Since I already had a binder, I just needed to get paper and maybe a stapler. It wasn't until I tried putting the paper in my binder that I realized Hong Kong doesn't DO 3-holes. They're still working with two! Their paper and binders have two holes spaced about 3" apart in the center. Such a small difference, but soooo upsetting! (I'm being dramatic here). Along with my paper (which everyone calls A4 paper here), I had to buy new binders and a new hole punch to retrofit my wonderful colored dividers from home. What's even more upsetting is that they don't have hard-covered binders here. Everything's cheap, flimsy and disposable.
I'm back to normal with my supplies. My new hole punch has changed my life. Not really, but I'm doing ok with two holes in HK. There are other things I'm getting used to...
1. Living in the Castilian, the noise problem was caused by the international students. Damn Italians. Here, it's the locals. They stay up until 3-4am and shout! When something is either funny or they're all in agreement, you can hear a collective, "Ohhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh! Oh! (Sometimes clapping)" It's the most bizarre noise. To give you an idea of how loud it is, Jen and I live on the 3rd floor at the end of the hall. With our door closed, we could hear the shouting coming from the ground floor up the stairwell. If you watched the video of the Student Societies, it's the same kind of muffled roar that seeps into every space.
2. The time difference still throws me off. I'm actually looking forward to the clocks changing in the spring because then I'll only be 13 hours ahead!
3. I miss salads. Fresh, green, hearty salads. I had a Caesar salad on Monday and it wasn't very good. The lettuce had potential, but it was soaked in dressing. Aunt Brenda, I'm glad I had a Cafe Express salad before I left. Justin, I'm glad you got to watch me eat it.
4. Asian boy hair. So weird. None of them seem to want to have short, groomed hair, so they grow it out (sometimes near-mullet style) and have a blind barber cut it into spikes. For those who want to take it a step further, they color it to an auburn shade of red. I'm not sure there's another alternative to dark brown/black. It makes for good people watching. Did I tell you that UST is over 60% male?
Ok, so maybe this post was a little whiny. Who cares. I'm in Hong Kong and I'm around a bunch of boys that look like this.
Monday, February 11, 2008
US China Relations
I made it to my history class early today so I got a seat in the front. It was unusually close to his podium, but far enough so I wasn't the absolute closest. Since I had been sick the weekend before, I brought a small pack of tissues and water to class just in case. I didn't to be the loud-sneezy-coughing girl in the front. Lucky for me, I don't think I coughed once during class. And if I did, it wasn't awkward enough to remember.
At the very end of class the professor, Dr. Wang, decided to review his list of pet peeves. Since I missed the beginning of the very first class, he might have mentioned these before. Either way he begins to explain his medical problems associated with his nose and sinuses. It sounded really bad-- two surgeries, constant medication, more susceptible to colds, etc. I felt bad until he said...
"If you're ever sick and you come to class, PLEASE WEAR A MASK."
Let's stop and picture it.
No, don't think I can do that. If I'm contagious, I won't be there. That or I'll sit in the back. Cultural difference #10293.
At the very end of class the professor, Dr. Wang, decided to review his list of pet peeves. Since I missed the beginning of the very first class, he might have mentioned these before. Either way he begins to explain his medical problems associated with his nose and sinuses. It sounded really bad-- two surgeries, constant medication, more susceptible to colds, etc. I felt bad until he said...
"If you're ever sick and you come to class, PLEASE WEAR A MASK."
Let's stop and picture it.
No, don't think I can do that. If I'm contagious, I won't be there. That or I'll sit in the back. Cultural difference #10293.
Crazy Asians!
You think UT students are weird and/or aggressive in the West Mall? No. Check out this video of the UST Student Societies promoting their halls. At least that's what I think they're promoting. I recorded this video at the end of the day so there aren't many other students around-- which makes their chanting even more peculiar.
Unfortunately you can only hear me laughing during the second half of the video. Notice during the last yell the camera shakes. Frightening.
Just click on the title link and enjoy!
Unfortunately you can only hear me laughing during the second half of the video. Notice during the last yell the camera shakes. Frightening.
Just click on the title link and enjoy!
Manners? Only on the MTR.
Chivalry. Manners. Whatever you want to call it-- doesn't exist here. Blame the massive number of people or old mentalities about women (and yin/yang). I don't really know the reason; I just know my patience is being tested.
On the first day of class I was pushed out of an elevator to make room for another guy. Yes, I could have been more aggressive, but who wants to be in a packed elevator with pushy people? Not me. Instead I walked up four flights of stairs to get to class. No one opens or holds doors for others. There are no international gestures for "excuse me." Even when there aren't crowds, the locals somehow manage to run into me. I don't get it, but I'll try to get used to it.
You would think because there are so many people, they'd try to create some sense of order. No. People here hate lines. It's probably the same in the US, but people tolerate lines at home. The MTR is a good example of "pretend order". Up and down most of the stairwells and along the middle of most walkways, there is a thick, painted yellow stripe with arrows on each side pointing in opposite direction. It's there in the hopes of keeping traffic moving smoothly on both sides. There are more arrows at each of the train car openings indicting where you should stand to get in and out. None of the locals pay attention to them. I stole the picture below from Tim Chen, one of the other exchange students from UT. He's sitting like a kindergartener between the lines on the MTR. Indian Style, no criss-cross apple sauce.
We like the MTR though-- even when it's crowded. The cars are SPOTLESS, no one eats or drinks, and rarely is someone on a cell phone (despite getting service underground). The MTR is also the only place I've ever seen a man give up a seat for an older lady. Then again, there are signs in just about every other car that say, "Show you have a heart. Give up your seat for someone in need." I'd make fun, but I need that sign.
I felt the need to include a picture of Jen and I on the MTR... and look how happy we are!
On the first day of class I was pushed out of an elevator to make room for another guy. Yes, I could have been more aggressive, but who wants to be in a packed elevator with pushy people? Not me. Instead I walked up four flights of stairs to get to class. No one opens or holds doors for others. There are no international gestures for "excuse me." Even when there aren't crowds, the locals somehow manage to run into me. I don't get it, but I'll try to get used to it.
You would think because there are so many people, they'd try to create some sense of order. No. People here hate lines. It's probably the same in the US, but people tolerate lines at home. The MTR is a good example of "pretend order". Up and down most of the stairwells and along the middle of most walkways, there is a thick, painted yellow stripe with arrows on each side pointing in opposite direction. It's there in the hopes of keeping traffic moving smoothly on both sides. There are more arrows at each of the train car openings indicting where you should stand to get in and out. None of the locals pay attention to them. I stole the picture below from Tim Chen, one of the other exchange students from UT. He's sitting like a kindergartener between the lines on the MTR. Indian Style, no criss-cross apple sauce.
We like the MTR though-- even when it's crowded. The cars are SPOTLESS, no one eats or drinks, and rarely is someone on a cell phone (despite getting service underground). The MTR is also the only place I've ever seen a man give up a seat for an older lady. Then again, there are signs in just about every other car that say, "Show you have a heart. Give up your seat for someone in need." I'd make fun, but I need that sign.
I felt the need to include a picture of Jen and I on the MTR... and look how happy we are!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Rat
The Chinese New Year celebrations started Wednesday night and will continue through the weekend. Because we didn't have class on Thursday, a bunch of students from UST decided to go to Skitz, a bar in Wan Chai. Forget the fact that Wan Chai is quite famous for Asian prostitutes, the bar's name was enough to make us laugh for a while. Skitz, Shits, Skids... let's not get our hopes up.
So before we met up with everyone Jen, Maud and I went to the Flower Market at Victoria Park. Once a year they sell hundreds of flowers, most of which are supposed to bring good luck in the new year. Unlike most places in Hong Kong, it smelled amazing! Lillies, orchids, gladiolas! The last picture turned out really well!
For some reason they also sell lots of inflatable toys at the Flower Market. Don't ask me why-- they just do. You could buy oversized blow-up chicken legs, hammers, donuts, hats, animals and butts (see picture below). When we saw the inflatable butts, I walked over, started laughing and said, "What?!" The lady selling them looked straight at me and said, "It. Is Ass." She convinced us that you could use it as a pillow, decorative object or tissue holder. We were sold! Jen bought one. Steven, don't worry. I bought you a different hilarious gift! We walked through the market until Jen announced she needed to go to the bathroom. Once we found one, she went in and immediately walked out. It was a hole-in-the-ground restroom. She literally looked at us and said, "I wasn't about to pee on THESE boots!" Guys have it too easy.
We made our way back to Wan Chai after stopping at the Spaghetti House for dinner. I know, not very Chinese, but not very good either. One of the dishes we ordered was pasta with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. I swear they used Asian noodles instead of angel hair. Not really the same.
When we got to Skitz we found out that it's a bar on the fifth floor of an office building (or something of the sort). We took the elevator up only to discover how long the line was to get in. Yes, it was Ladies Night, but almost everyone there was from UST. It was like some bad rumor had been spread that they were giving away free plasma tvs or something. No, not tvs. Just drinks. So we waited... and corrected some girls who were trying to cut in line. We eventually made it inside (the bouncers were actually nice) and pushed our way to the bar.
The strange thing about Ladies Night at Skitz was that the drinks were STRONG. I took a sip of my vodka/soda and couldn't finish it. I went back a few minutes later and had another bartender make a new one. Jesus. I would have been on the floor! I found out later that night that two of the girls from UST got really sick and don't remember much of how they got home. Yikes.
It was a decent night. Oh! and it was made even better thanks to this place called Ebeneezer's. They're open all night and sell amazing kebobs (more like gyros)! Lamb, chicken, spicy, regular-- they're wonderful and big enough to share.
I wont be participating in any more New Years festivities because I feel terrible. I blame the rat. I woke up on Thursday feeling feverish with a massive headache. I've been in bed since then drinking lots of tea, downing Advil and whatever else my roommate recommends. What's strange is that I got the flu this exact weekend last year. So this year I got a flu shot at UT, but I don't think it vaccinated against whatever I got. Oh well.
So before we met up with everyone Jen, Maud and I went to the Flower Market at Victoria Park. Once a year they sell hundreds of flowers, most of which are supposed to bring good luck in the new year. Unlike most places in Hong Kong, it smelled amazing! Lillies, orchids, gladiolas! The last picture turned out really well!
For some reason they also sell lots of inflatable toys at the Flower Market. Don't ask me why-- they just do. You could buy oversized blow-up chicken legs, hammers, donuts, hats, animals and butts (see picture below). When we saw the inflatable butts, I walked over, started laughing and said, "What?!" The lady selling them looked straight at me and said, "It. Is Ass." She convinced us that you could use it as a pillow, decorative object or tissue holder. We were sold! Jen bought one. Steven, don't worry. I bought you a different hilarious gift! We walked through the market until Jen announced she needed to go to the bathroom. Once we found one, she went in and immediately walked out. It was a hole-in-the-ground restroom. She literally looked at us and said, "I wasn't about to pee on THESE boots!" Guys have it too easy.
We made our way back to Wan Chai after stopping at the Spaghetti House for dinner. I know, not very Chinese, but not very good either. One of the dishes we ordered was pasta with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. I swear they used Asian noodles instead of angel hair. Not really the same.
When we got to Skitz we found out that it's a bar on the fifth floor of an office building (or something of the sort). We took the elevator up only to discover how long the line was to get in. Yes, it was Ladies Night, but almost everyone there was from UST. It was like some bad rumor had been spread that they were giving away free plasma tvs or something. No, not tvs. Just drinks. So we waited... and corrected some girls who were trying to cut in line. We eventually made it inside (the bouncers were actually nice) and pushed our way to the bar.
The strange thing about Ladies Night at Skitz was that the drinks were STRONG. I took a sip of my vodka/soda and couldn't finish it. I went back a few minutes later and had another bartender make a new one. Jesus. I would have been on the floor! I found out later that night that two of the girls from UST got really sick and don't remember much of how they got home. Yikes.
It was a decent night. Oh! and it was made even better thanks to this place called Ebeneezer's. They're open all night and sell amazing kebobs (more like gyros)! Lamb, chicken, spicy, regular-- they're wonderful and big enough to share.
I wont be participating in any more New Years festivities because I feel terrible. I blame the rat. I woke up on Thursday feeling feverish with a massive headache. I've been in bed since then drinking lots of tea, downing Advil and whatever else my roommate recommends. What's strange is that I got the flu this exact weekend last year. So this year I got a flu shot at UT, but I don't think it vaccinated against whatever I got. Oh well.
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